Seven-year-old Nathan Leppo found dead in Oak Orchard

Nathan Leppo was a sweet 7-year-old boy with an infectious smile, a boy who liked to play and joke around.

Police are investigating Nathan's sudden death Sept. 22 in Oak Orchard. Master Cpl. Gary Fournier declined any further comment.

Kimberly Chandler of the Division of Forensic Science said the cause and manner of Nathan's death are not available. Joe Smack, spokesman for the Department of Children, Youth and their Families would not say whether the department was involved because of confidentiality.

“You never knew what he was going to say,” said his aunt, Briana Leppo, describing his playful personality.

His second cousin, Melissa King, said she would see him on holidays.

“He was super sweet and funny,” she said. "He was a sweet, little boy. He would always give you a hug."

Nathan was a second-grader at Long Neck Elementary. A crisis team of counselors was at the school Sept. 23 and Indian River School District Superintendent Susan Bunting sent letters home with students.

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic death of a 7-year-old Long Neck Elementary School student on Sept. 22,” Bunting wrote. “ The Indian River School District sends its deepest condolences to the child’s loved ones, friends and teachers. Our deepest sympathies are with the Long Neck community as it copes with this terrible tragedy.”

A call to Long Neck Elementary Principal Neil Beahan was not returned by the Gazette's press time.

Briana said she and her three boys spent a lot of time with Nathan, going to sporting events and playing games. She said she is going to miss their time together.

"He was always positive and he was very loved," she said.

Briana said Nathan was staying in an Oak Orchard home of someone not related to her when he died.

Funeral

Visitation will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway

Funeral will be held at 4 p.m.

Raffle and donations

To help with funeral expenses, local hair salons Beach Waves Salon and R. Sterling Hair Boutique are raffling baskets of hair supplies and products.

Chances are $10 for three to win a basket with a straightening iron and other hair tools or a corn hole set; $5 for three chances for a basket of hair products, said Doni Rust, manager of Beach Waves Salon.

A Gofundme site has been created in Nathan's name at https://www.gofundme.com/xe4w3vyw.